Now advertisements to deliver what they promise

New Delhi, Nov 18: In view of massive complaints from consumers, the government is planning to form an inter-ministerial committee to look at ways and means to check false and misleading advertisements effectively.

Addressing a conference on 'Strengthening Self Regulation of Advertising Content" organized by the Advertising Standards Council of India, Consumer Affairs minister Professor K V Thomas on Friday (today) said that “Of course, the Consumer Protection Act provides for protection of consumers from unfair trade practices… but they do not have the power to examine advertisements suo motu, to facilitate quick action through interim injunctions…"

The consumer affairs minister made it clear that advertisers and advertising agencies must introspect on the messages they convey through their communication if they want to avoid submitting all proposed advertising to a regulator.

Earlier, the advertiser and advertising agencies had to submit storyboards for approval before production in Doordarshan before emerging satellite televisions. The practice was now stopped as it takes more time, but consumers were protected.

Consumer affairs minister also calmied that misleading ads were made by most of big corporates and who could even be member of Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI). He also pointing his fingers to cases such as that of Piramal Healthcare on 'Getting complete energy in 8 days or Money back" or the AIRTEL Digital TV advertisement on 'Free Regional Pack for life" or the one on NUZEN Gold hair oil.

Meanwhile, government is planning to bring electronic news channels under ambit of Press Council of India.